EXPLORING CODE-SWITCHING PRACTICES AMONG URDU–ENGLISH BILINGUAL SPEAKERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study examines the social and emotional motivations underlying code-switching in everyday bilingual interactions in Pakistan. It aims to investigate why bilingual speakers alternate between languages in daily life and how such practices reflect identity construction, emotional expression, politeness, humor, and social relationships. The study challenges the perception of code-switching as a linguistic deficiency and instead frames it as a purposeful and meaningful communicative practice. A qualitative descriptive research design was adopted to explore natural language behavior. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 15 bilingual young adults aged 18–35 who regularly use Urdu and English in informal, educational, and professional settings. The data were analyzed thematically, drawing on the theoretical framework of situational and metaphorical code-switching to interpret social and emotional language choices. The findings reveal that code-switching is strategically employed to manage context, express emotions, negotiate identity, maintain politeness, build social bonds, and regulate power relations. Urdu was commonly associated with emotional intimacy and cultural affiliation, while English was linked to professionalism, authority, and formality. These findings contribute to sociolinguistic theory by reinforcing the view of bilingual language use as dynamic and context-sensitive.